Press Release

Royal Navy equips sailors with skills needed for long-term career success

1 August 2007 – Sailors in the British Royal Navy have the unique opportunity to develop their management and leadership skills through a new partnership with the Chartered Management Institute.  As part of the alliance, individuals of all ranks will be able to gain membership of the Institute giving them access to nationally recognised qualifications, career advice and a UK network of managers with experience in a diverse range of industries.

The partnership, which guarantees membership of the only chartered professional body for managers and leaders, allows sailors to hone their management expertise.  As part of the alliance, the Institute has mapped its membership levels with the Royal Navy’s own ranking system and promotion courses.  Midshipmen and Petty Officers will equate to the Institute’s Associate member level, while Lieutenants and Warrant Officers a full Member. 

With over 200 management issues covered, membership of the Institute will give sailors access to information on developing new skills to start a second career and potential recruiters, should they want to leave the armed forces.  They can also widen their knowledge by attending local Branch events on topical business issues where they will have the opportunity to meet other managers and build their business contacts.  

Sailors who sign up to the scheme will have the opportunity to gain nationally recognised qualifications across a range of business disciplines including a Certificate in Team Leading, a Diploma in Management or an Executive Diploma in Management.  Taking between six months and a year to complete, the courses cover key skills such as effective communication, organising teams and resources and how to maximise the performance of team members.  Senior level qualifications require sailors to take five core modules, including developing as a leader and managing operations, and three optional modules, including managing information systems, human resource planning and finance.

At a time when the National Management Salary Survey is showing that over half of organisations are offering little in the way of professional development*, the partnership shows the Royal Navy’s commitment to equipping their personnel with skills that will drive performance, on an organisational and personal level.

Second Sea Lord, Rear Admiral Adrian Johns commends the partnership: “The nature of the Navy’s business demands the highest standards in leadership and management from its personnel across the rank structure.  To allow our people to meet these demands, the Service pays considerable attention to ensure that individuals are given the appropriate training and experience. 

“It is therefore very gratifying to me personally, as the principle personnel officer, to have these skills formally endorsed by the Chartered Management Institute.”

Jo Causon, director of marketing and corporate affairs for the Chartered Management Institute, believes the Royal Navy is a leading example of how organisations should tackle the skills problem.  She says: “The UK skills gap is well documented and unless organisations invest in skills to drive performance, we will struggle to compete on the global market.  Our partnership with the Navy offers sailors the opportunity to develop competencies that will not only serve them in service, but also in the wider civilian world.”